Peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing means swapping music or other files on peer-to-peer networks which connect millions of people. Users download the P2P software on to their computer to link them to the network and give them access to shared files, from shared folders on their hard drives.

The more advanced “BitTorrent” network has made file-sharing quicker by enabling users to download chunks of a file from different users all at once. This means that each hard drive is accessible by all other users of the P2P network at that moment.

There are legal ways to use P2P networks, and they are a revolutionary way of distributing your own personal files like photos or songs. But copying or distributing copyrighted material such as music, films, games and software without permission or payment, is illegal. Moreover, the files sent over a P2P network may not always be what they claim to be. File-swappers are vulnerable to risks such as viruses and unwelcome content.

They can also be at risk of leaks of personal details possibly resulting in identity theft. Because of these dangers users should be especially careful when using P2P services.